Stubble burning: Effects on health & environment, regulations and management practices

Abstract

Agricultural stubble burning, the practice of intentionally burning crop residue after harvest, is a major contributor to air pollution, particularly in South Asia. This practice releases significant quantities of gaseous pollutants, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and methane, as well as particulate matter, which negatively impact human health and the environment. Stubble burning is particularly prevalent in India, where the intensive rice-wheat rotation system generates large amounts of stubble, a significant portion of which is burned on-field. The impact of stubble burning is more severe during the rice stubble burning season, as lower winter temperatures lead to a more stable atmosphere, causing pollutants to accumulate and reside longer. The health effects of air pollution range from skin and eye irritation to severe neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, lung capacity loss, emphysema, and cancer. In addition to its effects on air quality, stubble burning also affects soil fertility, economic development, and climate. To mitigate the harmful effects of stubble burning, various alternative management practices are available, including incorporating stubble into the soil, using stubble as fuel in power plants, using stubble as raw material for pulp and paper industries, or as biomass for biofuel production. However, many farmers are unaware of these alternatives and continue to burn stubble due to a lack of awareness, economic incentives, or access to the necessary resources. Therefore, there is an urgent need for comprehensive awareness programs to educate farmers about the availability and benefits of sustainable stubble management practices. – AI-generated abstract.